Police search for answers in Paterson shooting

Police have deployed a mobile command center at the corner of Rosa Parks Boulevard and Warren Street in Paterson, N.J., after 12-year-old Genesis Rincon was shot in the head this past Saturday evening. “They’re hurting, they’re in mourning, but they’re outraged,” a spokesperson for Rincon’s family, the Rev. Delta Fisher, told reporters “This is senseless.”

Authorities say they are determined to find those responsible for the shooting. “We are investigating,” Chief Assistant Prosecutor Michael DeMarco said. “The investigation is active and ongoing.”

Police say Rincon left a family gathering to go to a nearby store with another girl and a boy. As the trio returned, they were taking turns riding a scooter and were about a block away from the gathering when multiple shots rang out. Rincon was rushed to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center for treatment. The two children who were with her were uninjured. Police believe the shooter was aiming at someone else.

Rincon was taken off life support Monday. “Her family will donate her organs,” said Paterson police detective, Capt. Heriberto Rodriguez. “The family is hoping that while their daughter’s life was ended so young, their daughter can help save other lives.”

Police are investigating whether the incident was related to the shooting of a 26-year-old man Saturday morning in the same area. The man was standing with a group near the intersection of Rosa Parks Boulevard and Putnam Street and was struck once in the leg.

He was transported to the hospital, underwent surgery and is currently stable.